Originally Posted by Explore
Absolutely. This is almost as important as my selection of a window seat, away from the wing. However, you're the only other person I've run across who takes this into consideration (helps to have a sense of geography).
Not only do I estimate the generalized sun angle, but seasonal variations as well. For land modes such as trains, I also consider the more scenic side - for example the right side for Chesapeake Bay, the Schuykill boathouses, and the Manhattan skyline when traveling WAS-NYP.
I do this all the time. For years, I have been selecting seats based on location, flight path, wing location and sun angle. For example:
Departing Miami: When I used to live in Miami, I would pick seat A if the plane takes off from west to east in the morning. This will allow me to see my house in North Miami Beach soon after take off. I have had a few photos of my old house taken from the air inside an UA plane. Also, the sun would be shining on the right side of the plane the entire way if I was flying north.
Flying into Narita from other Asian cities: Take window seats on the left, so you can see Mount Fuji.
Into DCA: My house is in the flight path into DCA if the plane decends from the Maryland side. I ususally see the plane approaching on the left of my house, so I would pick seat on the right side of the plane to catch a glimpse of my house.
Fly into LHR (from Continental Europe): Most of the times, the plane would circle London once from the south side before decending into LHR, so I would pick the window seat on the right side of the plane to catch the view of London.
Happy flying!!